Supply Chain Initiative adopts

Supply Chain Initiative adopts a recommendation for Good Practice on handling confidentiality. The Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) clarifies good practice in applying the SCI principles of fair dealing, information, confidentiality, and justifiable request.

The Governance Group of the Supply Chain Initiative (SCI) adopted and published a recommendation for good practice in relation to the principles of fair dealing, information, confidentiality and justifiable request in the context of a new branded product introduction, launch or renovation.

Businesses that register with the SCI commit to the principles of good practice in vertical relationships in the food supply chain. The recommendation has been developed to draw attention to the importance of respecting these principles and to provide further guidance on their practical application.

The document addresses the topics of information exchange, timing, and confidentiality for new branded product introduction, launch or renovation. It also provides guidance on how the SCI can support communication and training on the principles and refers to the SCI dispute resolution mechanism. The latter has recently been reinforced with the appointment of the independent Chair of the Supply Chain Initiative, Michael Hutchings.

“Since its launch in 2013, the SCI has attracted over 1,160 national operating companies, nearly 70% of which are SMEs, to sign up to the Principles of Good Practice and SCI commitments. This new clarification on how best to apply a number of principles when handling confidential information is a useful addition to the core principles adopted six years ago. It should help the parties involved in listing negotiations regarding new branded products” says Mr Hutchings.